Sometimes chocolates and flowers just don’t cut it. You need a little more help to, forgive the lazy phrase, ‘set the mood’. With Valentine’s Day inching closer, we’ve compiled a list of aphrodisiacs you might want to consider trying.

Oysters - This one’s no surprise. Regarded as libido-boosters since the time of the Roman Empire, oysters are a well known aphrodisiac even today. Casanova of the ‘World’s Greatest Lover’ fame was perhaps the notions biggest proponents, choosing to begin his day with 50 oysters, eaten off of women. Oysters are best enjoyed raw with a nice squeeze of lime and perhaps a dash of tabasco over them. And if you’re feeling a little extravagant then pick a light, crisp wine to go with the shellfish. Oysters and Chablis are widely considered a magical pairing.

Avocado - The legend of avocado as an aphrodisiac comes from the Aztecs, who called the avocado tree ahuacuatl, or ‘testicle tree’ when translated. It’s anyone’s guess why they called it so, but what’s done is done. The taste of avocado takes some getting used to, but once you do, a giant bowl of guacamole dip will always be welcome.

Asparagus - A lot of foods are considered aphrodisiacs by virtue of their appearance. The ‘phallic shape’ of the asparagus makes it part of the list. In fact in 19th century France, it was customary for bridegrooms to down three courses of asparagus at their prenuptial dinners so that they were ‘ready’ for the night that followed. If you’re wondering whether a side order of a green vegetable makes sense at a special dinner, think prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.

Caviar - A rich man’s viagra, the indulgent caviar has high zinc content, which is essential for blood flow. Do I really need to say more?

Licorice - In ancient China, people used licorice to enhance love and lust, owing to a particularly stimulating fragrance. This one even has research findings backing up its claim as a mood setter. Licorice contains phytoestrogen sterols, which enhance sexual arousal. Steer clear of the licorice-flavoured treats though, they may satiate the candy craving, but do nothing for the mojo.

Geoduck - Although pronounced ‘gooey duck’, this creature has nothing to do with ducks. Instead it is a strange looking (phallic shaped) species of a saltwater burrowing clam. No prizes for guessing it’s considered a delicacy in China. Japan calls it mirugai or mirukuigai and serves it up as raw sashimi, with wasabi and soy sauce. If you ignore what the live creature looks like, it can pass off as just another shellfish. No? Okay.

Durians - You’d think fruits are an easy bet on the dinner table. You’d be right, unless it is the durian that’s in question. The fruit that can stink up an entire block is banned from hotels and public transport vehicles in South-East Asia. A saying in Malaysia, referring to its aphrodisiacal properties runs, ‘When the durians fall, the sarongs fly up’. Powerful, but you’re probably safer sticking to strawberries and figs.

Oysters - This one’s no surprise. Regarded as libido-boosters since the time of the Roman Empire, oysters are a well known aphrodisiac even today. Casanova of the ‘World’s Greatest Lover’ fame was perhaps the notions biggest proponents, choosing to begin his day with 50 oysters, eaten off of women. Oysters are best enjoyed raw with a nice squeeze of lime and perhaps a dash of tabasco over them. And if you’re feeling a little extravagant then pick a light, crisp wine to go with the shellfish. Oysters and Chablis are widely considered a magical pairing.